Architects and consultants have the task of sourcing cost-effective, high-quality products used in the finishing of aluminium facades. The products they require are those that provide a variety of colour and gloss in order to enhance their style and design flair.
These, of course, must be combined with capabilities to withstand extreme levels of ultraviolet (UV) light, various levels of humidity, high and low ambient temperatures and other environmental pollutants.
Jotun's Corro-Coat PE-SDF - the super-durable powder coating - with a 25-year exterior guarantee is the answer to the demand for long-life expectancy, reasonable cost and high-value-for-money products.
Why are powder coatings the preferred system for the glass and aluminium industry in the Middle East and the world?
Only 20 years ago, anodising was the preferred system. It was durable, cheap and easy to apply. The main reason to specify organic coatings was the need for colour.
Colour, style and flair were needed to enhance the building. The well-known advantages we see today were introduced to the Middle East in the early eighties, and Jotun's products retain market leadership.
The Jotun products offer the following end-user and industrial benefits:
End-user benefits
Industrial benefits
Compared to wet paint systems, powder coatings are preferred also due to material utilisation. Up to 95 per cent of the paint may be utilised for powder coatings. Coating with wet paint normally resulted in 50 per cent overspray. Since additionally the wet paint consisted of a minimum of 50 per cent solvents (waste), a coating efficiency of only 25 per cent is achieved.
Today, the powder coating industry is preferred for 70 to 80 per cent of the architectural aluminium projects in Europe and the Middle East and is showing significant growth in the rest of the world.
Next generation powder coatings
Immense resources have been put in the research and development of powder coatings in order to sustain their position as well as to fuel the industry's growth.
For the architectural aluminium industry, the introduction of super-durable binder technology showed that powder coatings could combat the most durable wet paint systems while maintain its classical advantages.
Florida exposure testing - which has proven to be the most reliable test technique - combine high temperatures and high levels of UV light and humidity.
More than eight years of exposure proves that the super durable powder coating technology has proven to be really super durable.
This resin technology satisfies the strictest specifications such as AAMA 2604-98 and seems to satisfy AAMA 2605-98 requiring five and 10 years of Florida exposure respectively.
Although not unusual, it is not enough just to acquire this resin technology in order to claim meeting these standards. The formulations in question need to be tested as well.
The super-durable series from Jotun Powder Coatings - Corro-Coat PE-SDF - have been tested for five years in Florida, enabling the firm to offer a comprehensive product assortment covering various gloss levels and a wide range of colours that include metallic/pearlesence shades.
Compared to traditional powder coatings for facades, the super-durable coatings offer more than three times improvement in durability. Only super-durable pigments may be used to safeguard the durability of the system.
Five-year Florida testing of Corro-Coat PE-SDF shows excellent retention of a wide range of colours. The maximum colour change accepted by AAMA is Delta E to be less than 5. Jotun Powder Coatings has the technology to formulate a wide range of colours - currently some 120 RAL colours with additional metallic/pearl shades, all with the capability to exceed AAMA less than 5.
Beside ensuring that the coating system shows excellent performance during testing in Florida, it should be noted that AAMA represents a product specification scheme, that is, not a third party qualification.
Qualicoat is a renowned European qualification body that qualifies super-durable coatings as Class 2 products. Corro-Coat PE-SDF has been tested and awarded with a Qualicoat Class 2 certificate, further evidence of Jotun's high quality.
Dedication
Besides satisfying the most stringent requirements for architectural standards as well as third-party approval bodies, Jotun also ensures that its coatings cope with the harsh climatic conditions of the Middle East through its test station in Dubai.
Today, Corro-Coat PE-SDF has been used in Europe, Asia as well as in the Middle East including at the Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest hotel tower in Dubai, UAE. It has proven its industrial applicability not only as a durable coating on level with expensive wet paint systems like PVDF, but also to be a favourable alternative.
However, the product performance is also dependent on correct application by the whole value chain, which must be quality assured.
Based on the correct use and application of the Corro-Coat PE-SDF, Jotun is able to offer a comprehensive product guarantee of 25 years.
Jotun's sales and technical staff are at the disposal of building owners, architects, and consultants to provide advice on the most suitable systems to employ and to give reliable guidance in the use of Jotun's products.
A full and free testing service is also available to consultants to qualify the application process with extensive testing techniques.
Jotun, which has been present in the region for the past 26 years, is committed to providing excellence to its customers in the Middle East, both in terms of product and service.
